Solid fuel burning flare



NOV. 27, 1956 K E 2,771,763

SOLID FUEL BURNING FLARE Filed Aug. 9. 1954 INVENTOR.

PAUL KR ACAUER MAMM/Mz A T TORNEY SOLID FUEL BURNING FLARE Paul Kracauer, New York, N. Y., assignor to The Oraton C0., East Orange, N. 1., a corporation of New Jersey Application August 9, 1954, Serial No. 448,586

4 Claims. (Cl. 67-21) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in long burning flares and more particularly seeks to provide a flare unit that will emit a bright burning flicking flame that will be be visible from a relatively long distance but which is of a relatively small size and easily stored and transported without danger of leakage, ignition or explosion.

The use of warning flares is quite common. One of the more generally used types consists of a small liquidfuel container with a wick therein which provides a flare type of flame after ignition with slow consumption of the fuel. A Wick-type burner inherently requires a liquid source of fuel while burning.

It is quite common today for trucks to carry flares of the liquid fuel type which are placed on the roadway a sufiicient distance on either side of the vehicle when it is required to make a stop along the roadway. The flares thus serve as an advance warning to other motorists to prevent a possible pile-up of vehicles.

It is undesirable, however, to carry a liquid fuel flare in a car or truck. Movement of the vehicle is likely to cause spillage of the liquid by splashing it around or by overturning the flare unit. Even if there is little or no spillage, the odor created by the evaporating liquid while the flare is not in use may be unpleasant.

Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide a flare comprising a burner unit and fuel therein that will be capable of convenient transportation and storage within the ordinary truck or automobile without spilling or seepage of the fuel and wherein the fuel has no tendency to emit objectionable odors during transportation or storage.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a flare unit that will emit a strong flickering flare-type flame which will be visible for a long distance and is not extinguishable by gusts of wind that are apt to be encountered during use.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a flare-type burner unit that is economical to manufacture and easy to use.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a flaretype burner containing fuel that is normally solid except while being used, and which provides liquid fuel immediately upon ignition and thereafter until the flame is purposely extinguished or the fuel exhausted.

It is another object of this invention to provide a flaretype burner that may be easily lighted and extinguished.

The invention in one of its essential aspects consists in the provision of a novel mixture of combustible compounds having the characteristic of assuming the solid state at or, preferably, substantially above room temperature, but which is capable of becoming 'liquified upon application of heat of the order that may be imparted through the medium of a match or preferably through the medium of an igniting wick or taper, and which in the liquified state may be drawn upon to a sufiicient extent to maintain a flare-type of flame when the fuel mixnite States atent C ture is associated with an appropriate burner unit such as hereinafter described.

My novel combustiblemixture has the further property on cooling of re-solidifying into a mass without substantial alteration of the proportions of the components thereof. In other Words, when the fuel mixture is burned in an appropriate burner unit there is little or no tendency for the more volatile components to be consumed in greater proportion than such components bear to the whole mixture, so that it is practical to snuff out the flame after the flare has been used for a sufiicient time to perform its desired function on a given occasion and later to re-ignite the flame and re-use the flare on another occasion or occasions until the fuel has become exhausted.

The combustible mixture that I have found to per- .form in the desired manner consists essentially of a mixture of kerosene, a wax such as paraflin wax, stearic acid and sawdust. These constituents are suitably proportioned and mixed to provide a substantially uniform emulsion of the kerosene with the Wax and stearic acid with the sawdust uniformly distributed therethrough in a state of suspension. Usually it is preferable to add glycerol and glyceryl monostearate to aid in emulsifying the various substances of the fuel composition. Thorough emulsiflcation is particularly important when the lamp is to be re-used several times without recharging with fuel since after the flame is extinguished the fuel will resolidify and without emulsifying agents the various substances will tend to separate from one another. The prompt ignition of the mixture and uniform burning are promoted by providing a small proportion of a compatible component of lower flash point such as amyl acetate or acetone. A small addition of camphor will serve a similar purpose, and instead of incorporating the camphor directly in the mixture it may be used to impregnate a starting wick as more particularly hereinafter described.

By way of example, the fuel composition may be made up as follows, the proportions being stated in parts by weights: 7

This composition performs very well and is my preferred composition when it is used in a burner unit having a wick member impregnated with camphor to speed up the lighting of the flare and the melting of the solidified fuel composition.

According to a modification the constituent of lower flash point such as amyl acetate or acetone may be incorporated directly into the composition. When this is done, the proportion of amyl acetate or acetone may be of the order of 25% with the other components appropriately adjusted. For example, in the composition set out above the proportion of kerosene may be reduced from 63% to 60% when 3% of amyl acetate is added.

It will be understood that some further variation in the proportions of the components of the combustible mixture may be made Without departing from the invention, having in mind the function of the various ingredients in producing the emulsified, liquifiable and resolidifiable composition.

The wax and stearic acid serve as solidifying agents for the entire mixture and the kerosene is, of course, the primary fuel source but it will be appreciated that the other compounds within the mixture are completely com- 3 bustible so that there will be little residue left after burning.

The sawdust should be very fine and when suspended within the mixture acts to. intensify theburning, retards the consumption of fuel and also accelerates the resolidn fication of the emulsified fuel after the flame is extinguished.

I have found that I. may successfully use from 4.0 to 70% kerosene, from to of paraflinwax or another wax of similar melting range, from 15 to of stear-ic acid and 1 to 15% of sawdust. Preferably also from 2 to 10% each of glyccryl monostearate and glycerol willalso be added. When a lower flash point component is added, such as amyl acetate, its proportion may vary from 1 to 5%.

Such formulations will give solid compounds within the range of temp eratunes that are likely to be encountered in the use of the flare unit, and with satisfactory melting points and flash points. Usually the proportions should be so regulated as to insure that the fuel composition will remain in the solid state until a temperaturewithin the range 105 F.l F. is reached. When associated with a suitable burner, 250 to 300 cc. of this material will have a total burning time of approximately 5 to 7 hours, the actual burning time of which maybe interrupted several times. The normally solidfuel composition above described is burned most advantageously when it is associated with the special flareburner unit that ismore fully hereinafter described and wherein is provided a storage space or container for the solidified fuel in association with a burner element. comprising a tube extending upwardly from within the space occupied by the fuel and which surrounds a relatively extended area of the fuel that is exposed to the outside atmosphere when the burner is placed in operation. This burner tube has associated therewith a metallic element, usually of rod shape, which is preferably secured to the. bottom of the fuel storage container in 'heat conductive relation therewith. This rodextends upwardly within the-tube to a point where the flame of a matchrnay, be; brought in-tocontact with the upper end thereof in igniting the flare. Preferably this heat conductive rodmember will be associated with wick material which either initially has been impregnated with a relatively easily ignited combustible liquidsuch as camphor or which becomes impregnated through capila cti n ur n he psr figa t he ar th. the liquified components of the fuel mixture so; that on reignition, after a period of previoususe followed by snuf a tsfiame. fue aturat i sh sad yn t and acts to supplernent the match flame or takes over where the match flarneleaves off in transmitting heat both through the heat conductive rod to the container walls and thence to the solidified fuel in contact therewith and also directly to the surrounding fuel to cause same to become liquid and establish a pool of liquid fuel in the burner tube which will undergo combustion from the surface thereof by oxygen of the air which enters the burner tube through appropriate air inlet openings.

The burner feature of the invention will be more fully understood by reference to the drawings, the accompanying detailed description and-the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical section taken through aflare burner unit constructed in accordance with this invention; and

Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof.

This invention is embodied in a simple roadside flaretype burner that is especially adapted for carrying in a car or truck and to beplaced on the roadway some distance from the caror truck during emergency stops.

The burner as shown includes a round fuel storage compartment 5 provided with an overturned flange 6 which serves to secure an annular cap 7 -on the storage compartment, Positioned within the center of the storage compartment is a burner tube S-that extends upwardly beyond the top with anadjustable closing cap 9: The

cap is provided with a plurality of extension tabs 10 for convenience in turning the cap. Spaced beneath the top of the cap around the side thereof are two or three large openings 11 which serve to make the burning flame visible for long distances.

Located at the bottom of the burner tube 8 are a series of fuel openings 12 around the sides thereof, and spaced from the top of the tube also around the sides are a series of air openings 13 which are positioned just above the storage cap 7 and, more important, are positionedi at a point to most effectively supply air to the burnen flame. At the center of the burner tube and extending from the bottom of the fuel container to a point above the level of the storage cap is a wick 14; which has extending through its center to a point above the top end of the wick a conducting metal rod 15. A supply of the fuel composition 16 is of course stored in the storage compartment. and remains, in a solid state when the burner isnot being used.

When, the closing cap 9 is in the positionshown in the drawings the burner-may be lightedby applying a match to the end. of wick 14 through one of. the openings 13. Alternatively the cap 9 may be removed tofa'cilitate access of air and the flare unit may be inverted until the, wick isignited. When the match or other means of ignition, is appliedlto the wick. heat. is: carried by the conducting metal rod 15 to thebase-of the burner and laterally to the fuel storage compartment. which causes the fuel to melt'around the rod. 15 and: the. bottom and the outer walls of the burner tube. Asthe fuel melts and is burned from, the extended exposed area within. the burner tube as well; asthrouglr the wick additional portionsof the fueLwhich have'liquifiedthrough transfer of heat to the portions of the mass: in. the space surrounding the tube SWill pass through the numerous openings 12 into the burner, tube to'replenish the fuel thathas been consumed. Oxygemwill be suppliedpthrough the air openings: 13 to maintain the, flame and: the products of the combustion; with; or, without. portions: of the luminous flame will:pass;.out;through,the large openings 11; Once the, combustion. has, become well established suflicient heat will be conducted; through the'conducting rod 1'5, the-walls of the burning tube 8, and the body of the fuel storage, compartment'to. completelymelt or liquify the solid; fuel. WhlCl'LWlll, thus continue to flow through the fuel1openingsl21into. the. burning-tube as long as the burnerremains lighted or; until the! fuel is exhausted;

It; is; characteristic: ofthe novel fuel disclosedherein that it burns with a very intense, bright flickering flame and; yet, sufiiciently slowly'sothat 250 to: 300 cc; of fuel willmaintain the flare. in operation: for from approximately.- Sto 7. hours.

Ifit is desired to extinguish the flame at any timethe closure cap 9 is lowered to the positiomshownindotted lines in; Fig. 1' at which point thelower end of the cap covers the air-openings 13 and the large opening 11 becomes covered by the upper end of the burner: tube so that no air is admitted to'the burner tube and the flame is quickly and easily extinguished. As soon as the flame is extinguished the burner unit cools off and the fuel becomes resolidified- The burner may be relightedintermittently several times by .followingthe procedure: hereinbefore-described until suchtime asthe fuel has become exhausted It will, be appreciated that, the. burner tube. including theclosurecap 9 serves as a chimney for the flame by allowing air robe drawn in through the, air openings 13 and out through the large and higher openings 11 while bothsets of openings serve to expose the flame to'view. The. wide area of fuel exposure within the tube serves to increase the evaporation of the liquid fuel and thus enhancethe intensity of the flame.

The novel fuel described herein in cooperation with the burner emits a very intense and flickering flame that is visible for a long-distance.

In describing the heat conducted through the body of this burner to melt the solid fuel stored therein it should be realized that this heat is not sufiicient to make the burner so hot it cannot be handled. Although it is relatively hotter, the temperature at which the fuel melts is such that the burner can be comfortably handled around the base at all times. In fact, the melting of the fuel tends to consume heat and thus hold the temperature of the burner body at a moderate level. Moreover, heat will be carried away by conduction and by convection currents from the walls of the burner unit to the surrounding atmosphere.

I claim:

1. A flare assembly comprising a container for a normally solid, liquifiable fuel composition, a burner tube extending upwardly from within said container and having openings in the lower part thereof through which liquid may pass from surrounding portions of said container into said tube, an elongated metallic heat transfer member disposed within said tube in spaced relation to the walls thereof with the lower end secured in heat conducting relation to the bottom of said container, said member terminating at its upper end above the normal level of the fuel in said tube, said tube being provided with openings in the side walls thereof adjacent its upper end through which air may enter to support combustion of fuel from the surface of a liquified portion thereof present in said tube.

2. A flare assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said heat transfer member is associated with a wick serving when lit to promote melting and ignition of fuel present in said tube.

3. A flare assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said heat transfer member is associated with a wick impregnated with camphor and serving when lit to promote melting and ignition of fuel present in said tube.

4. A flare assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which a normally solid liquifiable fuel composition is disposed in the solid state in the container space surrounding and Within said burner tube, said fuel composition being liquifiable at a temperature above room temperature and being resolidifiable on cooling after burning a portion thereof in the use of said flare.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 144,130 Pease Oct. 28, 1873 942,823 Graves Dec. 7, 1909 1,135,317 Patterson Apr. 13, 1915 1,601,677 Cesareo Sept. 28, 1926 1,705,877 Ramsey Mar. 19, 1929 2,553,568 Finkelstein May 22, 1951 2,606,107 Fieser Aug. 5, 1952 

1. A FLARE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CONTAINER FOR A NORMALLY SOLID, LIQUIFIABLE FUEL COMPOSITION, A BURNER TUBE EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM WITHIN SAID CONTAINER AND HAVING OPENINGS IN THE LOWER PART THEREOF THROUGH WHICH LIQUID MAY PASS FROM SURROUNDING PORTIONS OF SAID CONTAINER INTO SAID TUBE, AN ELONGATED METALLIC HEAT TRANSFER MEMBER DISPOSED WITHIN SAID TUBE IN SPACED RELATION TO THE WALLS THEREOF WITH THE LOWER END SECURED IN HEAT CONDUCTING RELATION TO THE BOTTOM OF SAID CONTAINER, SAID CHAMBER TERMINATING AT ITS UPPER END ABOVE THE NORMAL SOME OF THE FUEL IN SAID TUBE, SAID TUBE BEING PROVIDED WITH OPENINGS IN THE SIDE WALLS THEREOF ADJACENT ITS UPPER END THROUGH WHICH AIR MAY ENTER TO SUPPORT COMBUSTION OF FUEL FROM THE SURFACE OF A LIQUIFIED PORTION THEREOF PRESENT IN SAID TUBE. 